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7th Organic Seed Growers Conference

Save the Date!

Join conference hosts Organic Seed Alliance, Oregon State University, Washington State University, and eOrganic January 30 - February 1, 2014 in Corvallis, Oregon for the 7th Organic Seed Growers Conference.

The biennial Organic Seed Growers Conference brings together hundreds of farmers, plant breeders, researchers, university extension, certifiers, food companies, seed production and distribution companies, and other organic stakeholders in two days of presentations, panel discussions, and networking events. There are also farm visits and short courses prior to the two-day conference. More details are coming soon.

Join us for this unique opportunity to trade knowledge, techniques, and ideas that strengthen our organic seed community – it’s the only event of its kind!

Conference Sponsorship

Committing sponsorship funds early in our planning process is essential to the success of this conference. Sponsorship also helps us keep registration costs down and supports farmer scholarship funds for farmers and students.

Please contact Cathleen McCluskey to become a conference sponsor.

Learn more about conference sponsorship levels here.

Who attends the conference?

• Farmers, seed producers, plant breeders, and researchers working in organic seed systems
• Seed companies selling organic seed or looking to enter the organic sector
• Non-organic farmers and seed producers interested in organic seed production
• University extension looking to expand organic seed education and outreach
• Farmers interested in maintaining genetic purity of the seed they source
• Organic certifiers interested in learning about organic seed systems and surrounding issues
• Government employees involved in plant breeding
• Government employees engaged in food, farm, and rural policy and research
• Non-government seed advocacy, research, and education organizations
• Food companies, cooperatives, and processors in the organic sector

Invitation for Input and Proposals

We welcome your proposals for presentations, workshops, posters, panels, and roundtables. The 7th Organic Seed Growers Conference theme is Innovation in the Field, a celebration of advancements in organic seed and the role farmers play in improving our crop genetic resources. While we welcome a diversity of proposals, those that fit the following categories are encouraged:

• Advancements in organic plant breeding
• Breeding for resiliency and biodiversity
• Farmer-led breeding projects
• New models for organic seed production and enterprise development

• Name
• Title
• Organization/Business
• Phone
• Email
• Check one: Poster or Presentation
• Title of Presentation
• Brief Description (300 words or less)
• Target Audience

We welcome not only academic sessions, but also encourage advocates, government staff, and others with practical knowledge of organic seed systems to participate. Each presenter will be required to submit a paper for the conference proceedings no later than November 15, 2013. Please contact Cathleen for assistance with the proposal process.

Suggestions for content:
We also welcome suggestions for speakers and topics. What issue would you like to learn more about? What questions do you want to see addressed through a panel discussion or presentation? Who would you like to hear speak at the conference? Email your ideas and questions to Cathleen McCluskey in Word format or in the body of an email. If possible, please include: name and contact information (for follow-up questions), suggested topics, suggested speakers, and any additional input regarding conference format and agenda (note: the date and location are already set).

Selection process:
Proposals are evaluated and chosen by a review committee with diverse representation from the organic seed community. The agenda is also informed by input received from past conferences.

Thanks to our 2014 Sponsors for their Generous Support

Our Platinum Sponsors

Seed Matters

Our Gold Sponsors

Annie's, Inc. is a natural and organic food company based in Berkeley, CA. For more than 20 years, we have nourished families with simple, down-to-earth foods that taste great. Annie’s is driven by a team of folks who are passionate about food, people, and the planet we all share. That’s why we seek out the best ingredients Mother Earth has to offer, harvesting pure, natural flavors to make delicious foods for all families.

Organic Farming Research Foundation

UNFI Foundation is committed to promoting healthy, sustainable and organic food production and consumption. We support those organizations that: increase organic food production and consumption; provide research and science to develop organic farming practices; organize conferences and collaborative education forums for new and innovative ideas; protecting the biodiversity of our seed supply, and the stewardship of genetic resources of organic seed; promote transparent labeling in our food supply; teach sustainable farming practices that promote conservation of resources; support organizations that foster the next generation of sustainable and organic farmers; utilize resources to provide nutrients and micro-nutrients among at-risk populations; and educate consumers on the importance of healthy food choices, and the relationship between food and health. We are proud to fund innovative new programs that support the development of healthy, sustainable foods and food practices, and the health of our planet.

Whole Foods Market

Our Silver Sponsors

Bejo Seeds the world’s largest producer of certified organic vegetable seeds, offers a wide range of high-quality hybrid varieties. Bejo breeding focuses on strong root systems, optimum nutrition, enhanced disease resistance, uniformity, and outstanding flavor. Partner with Bejo to be organic from seed to plate!

Organically Grown Company Founded in 1978, employee and grower-owned Organically Grown Company (OGC) is the largest organic produce distributor in the Pacific Northwest. OGC’s trademarked LADYBUG brand represents over 40 family-owned farms in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.

PCC Natural Markets has partnered with Washington growers for more than 40 years to provide shoppers with fresh, organic produce. We’re proud to support local farmers who are committed to organic practices, helping to preserve, and strengthen organic agriculture.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange offers 700+ heirloom, organic, and open-pollinated vegetable, herb, and flower varieties, plus garlic, perennial onions and seed saving supplies. Our mission is to conserve genetic resources and ensure that people retain control of their food supply

Our Bronze Sponsors

Albert Lea Seed House

Blue River Hybrids

Freemont Brewing

Kamut

OFARM

Restoration Seeds

Rite in the Rain

Veritable Vegetable

Have questions about the conference? Please email Cathleen McCluskey or call 360-472-0247.